WRFL: Newport beats Parkside to move closer to Division 2 finals

Newport has passed the first of two big tests to the finish the season as it moved closer to a finals appearance declaring “no one is unbeatable” ahead of the final round.

Finals footy might officially start in two weeks but they’re already here for Newport.

Heading into the weekend, Newport faced a daunting fortnight to finish the season with games against the WRFL’s Division 2 top-two in Parkside and Point Cook Centrals.

But they passed their first test with a 15.5 (95) to 13.7 (85) win over the Magpies to maintain their position in the top four heading into the final round of the season.

Newport currently holds a one-game advantage over fifth placed Wyndhamvale who will face Albion in the final round of the season.

They have an inferior percentage to the chasing pack.

Newport kept its place in the top four. Photo: Facebook.

A maiden appearance in the Division 2 finals series since the club reformed as a senior side in 2016 could now be on the clubs.

“It would be a huge moment for the club (if we were to play finals,” Newport assistant coach Josh Russo said.

“We have to put some real emphasis on our own game and try not to worry about other results. It was pretty much win our bust on the weekend.

“Point Cook Centrals are unbeaten for a reason, they’re a good football side. But no one is unbeatable. We’d have to play really well but we’ll be going there to give it a red hot crack.

“We’ve been playing well over the last month and hopefully we can give it a good shake.”

Newport is enjoying a strong finish to the season. Photo: Facebook.

Newport controlled the contest at Parkside for large amounts of time leading by 25 points at the final change before the Magpies launched a stirring comeback.

But in the end, the visitors were able to compose themselves to come away with a vital four points.

“It was pretty much win or bust for us and the boys knew that,” Russo said.

“We were on top for three quarters I thought. It’s easy to say we dropped off because we’re a young side but we will definitely learn from that.

“We could have made it a lot more comfortable for ourselves.”

Newport kept its place in the top four. Photo: Facebook.

While Mohamed Dibb led the way with three goals, Newport finished with six multiple goalkickers which indicated the strength of its forward line.

Nayef Hamad booted two in a best on ground performance while Omar Abou-Zeid, Youssef El Hawli, Jack Papachatzakis, Haseeb Qureshi and Osama Shahin were also impressive.

“That’s one of our strengths, we don’t play with a big key forward like some other sides,” Russo said.

Parkside will now play fellow finalist North Footscray in the final round.